The Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) for Tropical Cyclone Winston began yesterday for a period of three weeks.

The assessment would allow the different sectors of Government, supported by development partners and donors, to collate and verify the damage caused by TC Winston and identify Government’s post-disaster needs.

In opening the inception meeting of the PDNA process yesterday, the national disaster controller and Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Meleti Bainimarama said the PDNA process would run concurrently with humanitarian response.

He said that the PDNA would provide the necessary information for Government, development partners and all stakeholders to respond effectively to short, medium and long-term needs and priorities in terms of recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

Mr Bainimarama also acknowledged the mobilisation of experts for the TC Winston PDNA and has urged Government officials to learn as much as they can.

“We won’t restrict ourselves to seek advice on PDNA issues only, but rather on the respective areas of expertise and how it can inform Governments developmental agenda in the years to come.”

Additionally, Mr Bainimarama said that the PDNA strives to provide the necessary strategy to address the needs of those affected by TC Winston in a more targeted approach to ensure that limited resources available are used effectively.

The PDNA is an initiative of the World Bank used all over the world for post-disaster assessments.

The TC Winston PDNA exercise is the second to be conducted in Fiji and is supported by the World Bank, United Nations, European Union, Asian Development Bank,  Pacific Community (SPC) and bilateral partners.

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